MLFA bestow 19 aspiring referees with Level One Examination referee certificates
The new referee graduates are now prepared to take on their roles officiating matches in the LFA, ensuring fairness and integrity in the games they oversee.

The Midrand Local Football Association (MLFA) is excited to announce that a new generation of referees is on the rise.
This follows the recent achievement of 19 young match officials who were awarded Level One Examination referee certificates.
With generous support from Cell C, MLFA organised a certificate presentation ceremony for these aspiring referees at the Rabie Ridge Community Hall on January 17.
Also read: Former Midrand Local Football Association chairperson honoured with Legacy Cup
This event marked a historic milestone, being the first time MLFA presented such certificates, creating a memorable occasion for the recipients. The pride among these new referees was evident as they celebrated their inaugural achievement under the MLFA banner.
Midrand referees chairperson Abel Maphutha highlighted the significance of these certificates, stating they demonstrated that Midrand was home to qualified referees.
He pointed out the misconception that refereeing was an easy endeavour, remarking that ‘most people have never taken refereeing so seriously’. Maphutha stressed that this new recognition elevated the status of the profession, asserting that becoming a referee required formal qualifications, much like any recognised profession.
“Gone are those days whereby they [clubs] just picked someone from the spectators to come and be a referee if there was no appointed referee for the game. Nowadays, you must be qualified to officiate a game of football,” he said.
Among the graduates, which included five young women, was a particularly impressive 15-year-old learner from Noordwyk High School, Lehumo Diphare.
Also read: Midrand Local Football Association’s scathing attack on CoJ’s Sports and Recreation Department
“I am proud to say their [female] results were very impressive. We have five females in this male-dominated sport. It felt so good to see females taking the initiative of wanting to become football referees.”

Looking ahead, Maphutha, a retired professional referee mentioned that to advance to officiate in higher leagues, these referees would need to pursue additional qualifications including Level Three, Level Five, and ultimately Level Six examinations to further their professional development.
Moreover, the Midrand Referees Committee is seeking support from the community and local businesses to provide referee kits to these emerging officials, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds and lack essential equipment.
Community members wishing to contribute to this cause and support the new referees are encouraged to contact MLFA chairperson Abel Maphutha at 083 453 8617.
Follow us on our Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok pages. Join our WhatsApp group for any story ideas you may have.
Related article: Midrand Local Football Association seeks youth for its referee programme